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India-US relations reach a historic low after disputed ceasefire claims, Trump’s trade tariffs, and US support to Pakistan. Political tensions, diplomatic disagreements, and sanctions over Russian dealings strain ties, with potential improvement expected in 2026 amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.
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New Delhi: In February 2025, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met United States President Donald Trump at the White House. The bonhomie did not last long as India rejected Trump's offer to mediate during India-China tension.
During the Pahalgam attack in April, the United States supported India. President Donald Trump censured the attack on the sovereignty of India and offered condolences to the bereaved families.
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During Operation Sindoor, bilateral tensions escalated and the Trump administration claimed to have facilitated the truce between India and Pakistan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indian officials rejected these assertions of the US president. The Indian Prime Minister even conveyed this directly to the US president in June.
During parliamentary debate, Modi came under a lot of criticism and reiterated that Trump had no role in the ceasefire between India and Pakistan.
Diplomatic tension escalated further between India and the US. President Trump announced 25% tariffs on India in addition to a penalty due to India's purchase of military equipment from Russia. The move by the US to impose the tariffs was widely interpreted by opposition parties as a response to New Delhi’s rejection of third-party mediation of Operation Sindoor.
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President Trump's public statements highlighting the role of US diplomacy in facilitating the India–Pakistan ceasefire did not go well with the Indian Government. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in Parliament declared that no calls or contact occurred between the Indian and US leadership to initiate a ceasefire.
Political pundits and media commentators described the political narratives as a major thaw in regional dynamics. India-US relations further suffered when President Trump criticized India for oil trade with Russia despite sanctions from Western countries.
Trump announced a 25% "reciprocal tariff” on Indian goods and additional 25% penalties linked to India's purchase of Russian arms and energy, taking total tariffs to around 50%.
The United States added insult to injury by proposing trade and energy development agreements with Pakistan. It also promised to support Pakistan with oil exploration and extraction through American firms.
With political pressure and an insensitive US government, Indian-US relations seem to be at the lowest ebb.
Relationship between India and the US might improve in 2026 as America requires India’s support in the changing geopolitical scenario to counter China’s growing influence in South Asia.
